Description
A classic homemade lasagna perfect for family dinners, packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.
Notes
- Golden Finish: Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a little hot sauce to the BBQ sauce if you want a spicy kick.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 715mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg